Was it getting hot in here, or was it just him? Suddenly, he was glad to be reclining in the cool pool of water. His breath grew more strained as the reality of her words fully sank in.

This… oath. It would change their lives forever.

A lifelong responsibility. Dedication. Loyalty. Was he deserving of that? Truly?

Dante didn’t know, but it wasn’t his place to pass judgment. She was the Queen. She intended to be his Chosen. He, her Sworn Sword.

The weight of it settled onto his shoulders, and he found he couldn’t tear his gaze from her own.

I would die for you. For your children. For this kingdom. I would see you happy and content with life once again. To watch you grow into the Queen you are meant to be… would be the ultimate honor.

He was speaking, but it didn’t sound like his voice, too quiet, too certain. Still, he didn’t stop.

I see you too, mi girasol. The way you reach toward the sun, desperate to shed your winter coat and properly bloom. Your future is so bright.

Suddenly, the words felt like too much, and he had to look away. The intensity was searing, the tension thick enough to cut.

Did he want this?

May… may I have a few days to consider? This is not a small ask, nor one I want you making lightly. I think a few days, for us to truly sit with the idea, the reality of what our lives would be, are needed for something so sacred.

Turning back to her, his emerald gaze softened.

This is not me rejecting you. In fact, it is quite the opposite. My first instinct is to say yes, but I want this to be a safe choice for both of us. One not made purely on emotion.

Why did it feel as though she could see all of him? As if that teal gaze could catch every hesitation, every doubt. Was he becoming careless, or was she something else? Something more?

Drawn from his thoughts by the touch of her muzzle against his, Dante couldn’t stop the smirk that tugged at his maw.

And leave you to do all the work? No, I don’t think so.

With that, he pulled himself free from their tangle in the pool and gave his pelt a quick shake, sending droplets scattering in her direction. A low chuckle followed as he slipped just out of reach of any retaliation.

His dark tail wagged lazily behind him, body relaxed despite the weight of everything they had discussed. He set it aside for now, carefully tucking it away for later thought, and returned his full attention to Apple.

You coming? Or are you just going to sit in that pool while I do the dirty work?

His tone was openly teasing, easy, and patient.

Good question, my lady. I suppose I don’t. Tut. Such a shame…

Dante felt especially open and playful in this moment. As much as he tried not to dwell, she had made such a beautiful request of him. His gentle heart thudded in his chest, warmth settling low in his stomach. A lightness, one he was growing more familiar with whenever Apple was near, rested over him, in the way he moved, the way he carried himself.

His tail wagged a little more eagerly as he turned from her and began to saunter off, casting a smug smirk back over his shoulder at the golden goddess.

His pace was slow enough that she caught him easily, and when she did, he offered a soft nudge of his shoulder against hers.

Then a thought struck him.

His gaze shifted toward her.

Does your brother know your intentions?

A faint, uncomfortable prickle crept beneath his skin. Surely she had spoken with the King about something like this… why did the thought feel… tainted?

He’s very protective of you. I don’t think he likes me much.

Careful with his tone, he watched her for a reaction. Was he being paranoid, or had she noticed it too?

The way her brother looked at him… almost competitive.